Pupils who play netball at Cheltenham College will have a greater opportunity to learn from some of the very best after the school forged closer links with Severn Stars, the ‘Vitality Netball Superleague’ franchise.

Pupils at the school will have the opportunity to take part in Q&A sessions with Severn Stars players, watch them play live and discover more about the dedication and character required to become a top-level athlete.

Cheltenham College and Severn Stars have today announced an official sponsorship agreement that cements the relationship between the two organizations and provides pupils at Cheltenham College with unique links to the club.

Former England international Sam Cook is director of netball at Cheltenham College, and assistant coach at Severn Stars.

Ben Marsden, Director of Sport at Cheltenham College, said: “At College over 1,100 pupils take part in sport each week and those who wish to compete at the highest levels are supported to do so. It is our belief that participation in sport should be part of a healthy lifestyle.

“The rise in participation and visibility of netball in recent years has been fantastic and so we were keen to support Cheltenham’s local Superleague team to help push this even further. I hope that our work together over the coming season can help to promote even more participation locally and excellence on the court.”

Amy Tilley, general manager of Severn Stars, added: “Severn Stars is not just about success on the court. It is about encouraging our local community to watch, get behind their local netball franchise and be inspired to take part in netball.

“The support of Cheltenham College will help us to achieve these things over the coming season and we look forward to welcoming their pupils to our co-owner home venues, the University of Gloucestershire Arena and University of Worcester Arena. It will give them a unique insight into the highest level of domestic netball in this country.”

Severn Stars first home game of the season takes place on 29th February at the University of Worcester Arena against the defending champions Manchester Thunder, and tickets are available at: www.bit.ly/SStarsTickets